Sound:
The sound of this guitar is very impressive. The solid spruce top gives it that "piano soundboard" volume and projection, but what is most impressive is how balanced and musical the sound is. It is bright without being harsh; it is full without being "boomy". I play a lot of finger-style instrumental stuff, and every note rings true. Very pleasant voicing and sustain. It stands alone without an amplifier, and for a special treat I played it through my Fender Acoustisonic Jr. which is a great combination. The Fishman electronics are very natural sounding through the amp, You can't go wrong here.
Feature:
I had read a lot of reviews from skeptics who were critical of this model because of the "Stratabond" neck material, the laminated sides and back, and the fact that the guitar is made in Mexico. As a musician, none of that stuff makes any difference to me if the instrument feels and sounds awesome. I'm not a tree-hugger, but if environmentally sound innovations which are less expensive to manufacture can give me the chance to own a guitar which is this nice, I am cool with that. Made in Mexico? I couldn't care less, the thing sounds perfect. Martin can be proud to display their logo on this guitar, and should be given credit for answering the needs of musicians during hard economic times. For the price, this is a fantastic guitar. The strap button on the heel is a nice touch, making this very practical for gigs.
Ease of Use:
This guitar played like a dream right out of the box. I usually get a set up done with new instruments, but I don't see any need to do anything right away with this one. Action is nice and comfortable, no buzzes or rattles.
Quality:
It is very well-made, the finish is beautiful. I bought the koa wood model. I might buy the Rosewood and Mahogany ones and keep them in different tunings.
Value:
In my opinion this is a steal for the money. There are some less expensive acoustics that are very good such as Washburn and Epiphone. I believe you have to compare them side by side to decide for yourself. For me, the Martin was magic and worth every penny.
Manufacturer Support:
I have never been much involved in contacting manufacturers. They do offer a pamphlet on guitar care and information on how to contact them, so I am confident they are there if I ever need them.
The Wow Factor:
The sound and elegance of this instrument speaks for itself. I like the simplicity of having no fret markers. It is a pretty cool guitar all the way around.
Overall:
I researched this product extensively before purchasing it. I was torn between a few less expensive solid spruce-tops and the Martin. After actually playing one in person, I knew this was the one. The bottom line for me is the sound of the guitar, and this one is pristine. I have wanted a Martin all my life, but they were always out of reach because of the cost. They have finally found a way to deliver the sound and playability of the Martin at a price even I can afford.

Overall:
The sound is great and well balanced, in tune all over the neck, and strings stay tuned (thanks to the good mechanics).It is kinda 'tropicalized' (stratabond neck and HPL sides and back, and richlite fingerboard)Richlite fingerboard is less pleasant than ebony (harder and less warm) but you soon get used to it.Just needed a very fine sandpaper (2000) to erase some asperities from the neck and make it as sweet as baby skin (stratabond is many pieces of woods glued together).I felt in love, did not had to try more guitars after this one, I would not hesitate again.Perfect for the price.The solid top is fragile, yeah it is wood, buy a hardcase and avoid frequent or extreme temperature and humidity changes. Loosen the strings for such events.

Overall:
This was almost a year-long struggle, to decide whether to go Taylor or Martin! I'd read everything I could on both the companies as well as the models I'd narrowed now. But after a while, I decided to go with this Martin. (I've wanted a Martin since the late '50s! I ordered it, got it sooner than expected, unpacked then waited while it got used to the new temperature. Then 3 hours later, my first chords and WOW! I can't put this down. I've had approx.. 12 acoustics over the years from all mfgs. and by far, this is the best acoustic I've ever owned! The technology in the neck is so strong you could use it for a baseball bat! Don't knock this new Martin guitar if you've never played it and researched 'the facts'!

Overall:
Always wanted a Martin, always had a reason to wait. I was looking and looking and looking and playing DX series guitars at different stores and looking for deals. Then I saw one of these while I was out and a guy as playing one at a open mic at a coffeeshop. I talked to him after the set and he let me give it a whirl. Wow, played great. I got online that night and ordered it from zZounds and what do you know, the next day Guitar Center has them on sale for less! I took a photo of the sales tag and called customer service. The rep did a price adjustment on the spot and gave me the GC price! The guitar came 3 days after I ordered it and was everything I'd hoped it would be. Even my wife was happy, because she got to use the box to store all her wrapping paper in!!

A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.

A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.

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